Happy holidays fam! Since 2020 has brought me back to Boston for the year, I’ve been doing a lot more local travel than I ever anticipated doing. I’ve explored more of New England in these past few months than I have my whole life – and I really can’t complain. It’s been amazing getting to know my area more. I’m so lucky to live at the crossroads of beaches, mountains, cities, and SIX states to explore. I’ve written several posts about New England this year, including my Ultimate New England Bucket List, which I update often, and my fall-themed Leaf Peeping post. Today’s post is going to cover the five best places to visit during winter in New England!
Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored by Poster Store. Keep reading to learn more about this brand, and as always – all opinions written here are my own!
Poster Store
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Where To Visit During The Winter In New England
1. Kennebunkport, Maine
Most people think the southern coast of Maine has its shining moments during the summer months, but Kennebunkport NEEDS to be on your winter in New England bucket list!
Each December, Kennebunkport hosts its annual Christmas Prelude, a two week festival with special events, festive decor, shopping sales, and happy hour deals. If you visit, I recommend dining at Allison’s for dinner (you need to try their lobster bisque). Check out the gondolas and igloos at the Kennebunkport Inn for drinks or dinner. There’s also an outdoor Christmas market located across the street from the Old Vines Wine Bar!
Each December there’s an event called “It’s a Nutty Christmas” which is basically a holiday-themed scavenger hunt where visitors try to find the 60+ hand-painted nutcrackers hidden throughout the town! How cute!
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the perfect day or weekend trip year-round. In the summer months you can walk the 3 mile coastal Cliff Walk, visit the aquarium, and browse the shops downtown. However, I think December is when Newport’s crown jewels come to life… the Newport Mansions!
Each December, the two most famous Newport Mansions, the Breakers and the Elms, are decked out floor to ceiling in the most stunning Christmas decor. If you’re looking for a festive activity to put you in the holiday spirit or to snap some festive pics, check out Newport!
Pro-tip: You can buy tickets to take self-guided tours of the homes here!
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston has to be on this list! Known for its cold, snowy, winter weather, Boston’s holiday charm really comes to life each December. As a local, I recommend enjoying the holiday decor on a holiday trolley ride! I did the Lights & Sights tour last year and really enjoyed it. I also recommend visiting Faneuil Hall, which gets decorated beautifully each year. The main attraction is the Blink! Light and Sound Extravaganza, which is basically a giant Christmas tree that has a light show coordinated with music each hour.
Another holiday activity I recommend in Boston is the Nutcracker! Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker is one of the best holiday performances in the city. It’s been performed for decades and is really well done. The Boston Pops also puts on a wonderful holiday show each year.
Ice-skating at Frog Pond is also a super fun festive activity. I love coming here at nighttime when the city lights shine bright and the Common is decked out in Christmas lights.
Lastly, if you have kids, you HAVE to go see Disney on Ice at the TD Garden. This was the highlight of my childhood.
4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is one of the most festive towns during the winter in New England. It’s actually known as one of the world’s Christmas capitals! Each December the city of Portsmouth has a tree lighting event and parade. The tree lighting takes place right in Market Square, where the tree is put up each year.
This year the Portsmouth Historical Society is celebrating its 30th annual Gingerbread House Exhibit and Contest! The storefronts in Market Square all have the gingerbread houses on display in their windows. These aren’t just your typical gingerbread houses, there are mansions, tree houses, etc. Check them out!
Portsmouth also has several holiday events each year including the annual Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars at Strawberry Banke! There’s also an ice skating rink at Strawberry Banke!
My last recommendation is to visit Wentworth by the Sea, the Seacoast’s most historic hotel. There’s a giant (and I mean giant) gingerbread house on display here and it’s decorated beautiful for the holidays. The lobby is so cozy and is the perfect place to grab a Christmas cocktail!
Pro-tip: Want to see it all? Portsmouth has a holiday trolley too! I did this a few years ago and had a blast.
5. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, VT was on my fall leaf peeping bucket list, but wow, this place HAS to be on the holiday list too! This town is one of the most charming towns in New England and truly comes to life during winter. The town square is lit up with twinkling lights, the covered bridge is decorated, and don’t even get me started on the Woodstock Inn. This places brings cozy to a whole new level.
You should visit Woodstock during the Wassail Weekend, where the town celebrates the opening of the holiday season with a horse-drawn carriage parade, historic home visits, caroling, concerts, food, wassail and good cheer throughout!
Pro-tip: This weekend is normally the first weekend of December.
Ok, I promised this list would be the top 5 places to visit during winter in New England, but if you made it this far, I have a surprise for you! Here’s a 6th recommendation for the holidays in New England: It’s the Yankee Candle Village in Deerfield, MA! Known as one of New England’s favorite day trip destinations, you can personalize candles to capture cherished memories in scents and wax, catch snowflakes indoors at the Bavarian Village, satisfy your sweet tooth, shop for toys, gifts, home décor, and kitchen and garden items, and celebrate Christmas every day!
I hope these ideas inspire you to enjoy winter in New England, whether it be this year or in years to come! Happy holidays everyone!
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We had the Freedom walk trail with Nicole earlier today, and I loved it. We arrived late and she wasn’t mad at all, she is very intelligent and well prepared. And she was also really nice to me. She is really dedicated and she even has her own professional website, that’s admirable. I can tell traveling is her passion but she helps tourists to get to know Boston and 20 other places. I’m really thankful and I can tell that creating your own website must have required a lot of hours and effort, but if every costumer of yours, end up as happy as I did, you’ll get really far. (As you are already). I’d love to take another of her tours before I leave.
Also she speaks so loud and clear, flawless.
Thank you so much for your kind message!I loved having you on my tour!